Are you thinking about the profitable ice lolly market but feel lost? Manual work is slow and unhygienic. Automation is the clear solution to launch a successful and scalable business.
To start an ice lolly business, you need an automated line. First, produce empty tubes with a blow molding machine. Then, use an automatic filling and sealing machine for your product. After that, pasteurize for safety and shelf life. Finally, package the lollies for your local market.
Starting this business might seem complicated, but it’s really just a series of clear steps. I have helped many clients set up their production lines, and I know the process well. It all comes down to having the right equipment and a solid plan. Let me break down the entire process for you, from making the tubes to getting them ready for sale. I will guide you through each stage based on my direct experience.
What Machines Do You Need for Production?
You have a fantastic recipe, but how do you produce it at scale? Hand-filling is messy and slow, which will limit your growth. The right automated machines are the answer.
You mainly need two machines to start production: a plastic blow molding machine to create the empty ice lolly tubes and an automatic filling and sealing machine. These machines work together to form an efficient core for your entire production line, handling creation and filling automatically.
Let’s dive deeper into these essential machines. Think of them as the heart of your operation. I always tell my clients that investing here is the most important decision they will make.
The Core Production Duo
First is the plastic blow molding machine1. Its job is to take small plastic preforms and shape them into the empty ice lolly tubes you need. The great thing about these machines is their flexibility. You can create tubes in various shapes and sizes to make your product stand out.
Second is the automatic ice lolly tube filling and sealing machine2. This is where my company, Xinchuang, excels. Our machine takes the empty tubes from the first step, fills them precisely with your liquid product like juice or jelly, and then hermetically seals them. This process is fast, clean, and consistent.
I remember a client from Algeria who was filling everything by hand. Their production was slow and inconsistent. After installing one of our automatic filling and sealing machines, their output tripled in the first month alone. It completely changed their business.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Manual Production | Automated Production |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very Slow (10-20 units/min) | Very Fast (100+ units/min) |
| Consistency | Inconsistent fills, poor seals | Precise fills, perfect seals |
| Hygiene | High risk of contamination | Low risk, closed system |
| Labor Cost | High, requires many workers | Low, requires few operators |
Why is Pasteurization a Crucial Step?
Your ice lollies are filled and sealed. But are they safe to eat and ready for storage? Bacteria can spoil your product, harm your brand, and create health risks.
Pasteurization1 is vital to kill harmful bacteria that can grow during production. This process uses controlled heat to extend the shelf life of your ice lollies and ensure they are safe for consumers. It is a non-negotiable step for building brand trust and product quality.
Many new business owners overlook this step, but it is critical for success, especially if you plan to distribute your products widely. It’s a key part of food safety and quality control.
Ensuring Safety and Shelf Life
The process is quite simple. The sealed ice lollies travel on a conveyor through a pasteurizer line. Inside, they are submerged in a hot water bath, usually at 70-80 degrees Celsius, for a specific time. This heat is enough to kill harmful microorganisms without boiling or damaging the product. After the heat treatment, the products are quickly cooled and then dried. This prepares them perfectly for final packaging.
A modern pasteurizer line is a fully automated system that gives you precise control over temperature and time. This consistency guarantees that every single product is safe.
I worked with a customer in Pakistan who kept getting reports of spoiled products from shops in distant cities. Their supply chain was long, and the products were not lasting. Once they installed one of our pasteurizer lines, the problem disappeared. It protected their investment and allowed them to confidently expand into new regions.
The benefits are clear:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Kills Bacteria | Ensures food safety and helps you meet health regulations. |
| Extends Shelf Life | Reduces spoilage, allowing for wider distribution and storage. |
| Preserves Quality | Maintains the original taste, color, and texture of the product. |
| Builds Trust | Consumers know your product is safe and professional. |
How Should You Package Your Finished Ice Lollies?
Your product is made and safe. Now, how do you present it to customers? Bad packaging can make a great product look cheap or get damaged before it’s even sold.
Your packaging depends entirely on your local market customs and how you plan to sell. The most common methods are putting ice lollies in individual printed bags for single sales or packing them in bulk jars or boxes for multipacks. You must research your target customers.
The final step is just as important as the first. Packaging is your product’s first impression. It needs to be attractive, practical, and suited to your sales channel.
Adapting to Your Market
You need to think like your customer. How and where will they buy your ice lollies? From my experience with clients in over 20 countries, it usually comes down to two main strategies.
First, individual bags1. This is perfect for a "grab-and-go" culture, where people buy one at a time from small shops, street vendors, or canteens. Each bag is printed with your brand, which is great for marketing. This approach often requires a secondary machine, like a flow wrapper, to package the sealed tubes into bags.
Second, bulk jars or boxes2. This method is better for selling multipacks in supermarkets or to wholesale distributors. It is generally more cost-effective per unit and makes transportation easier. Families often prefer buying in bulk.
I have a great story about this from a client in Indonesia. They initially launched with their ice lollies packed in large plastic jars. But they soon realized that street vendors were their biggest sales channel. Those vendors needed an easy way to sell single units. After we advised them, they switched to individual bags1. Their sales grew incredibly fast because the packaging finally matched how their customers were buying.
Here’s how the two styles compare:
| Packaging Style | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Bags | Single sales, brand visibility | High perceived value, hygienic | Higher material/machine cost per unit |
| Bulk Jars/Boxes | Multipacks, wholesale | Lower cost, easy to ship in bulk | Less individual branding, bulkier for consumer |
Conclusion
Starting an ice lolly business is within your reach with proper planning and machinery. Focus on efficient production, product safety through pasteurization, and smart packaging, and you will build a successful brand.
